Boiler/Heating/Hot Water Failure:
1. If you have a combi boiler, check the pressure on the dial is between 1 and 1.5 bar. If it is below that, use the filler loop to gently increase the pressure. Information will be in the instruction manual or can be found online.
2. Reset the boiler. Generally you can do this by switching it off at the mains switch, waiting a minute and then switching it back on.
3. Some Hot Water/Heating Controls require batteries Please check the controller and replace the batteries if required. Check that the timer is not set to off.
4. Condensate pipe frozen - in colder weather the plastic condensate pipe can freeze which will stop the boiler working. The remedy is simple:
Apply a hot water bottle or a warm heated pad to the pipe to warm it up and begin thawing the water or fill a watering can or jug with warm (not boiling) water and pour it over the pipe.
5. If a radiator is not heating up, try bleeding the radiator by releasing any air in the radiator until water starts to floe from the bleed valve. You may need to top up the pressure in the combi boiler after doing this. You can also remove the Thermostatic Radiator Valve and gently tap the pin as this sometimes sticks.
Note: If you have a hot water cylinder you should be able to switch on the immersion heater in the tank using the isolator switch or water heater switch where the tank is located. This looks like a single light switch. The immersion heater will provide hot water for you whilst you await a boiler repair.
Electrical Failure:
1. Check the Fuse Board. You may may find that one or more of the switches has 'tripped' which can be reset to restore power.
2. A faulty electrical item may cause the Fuse Board to trip. For example a faulty kettle could cause the sockets to trip completely. Unplugging appliances one by one and resetting the Fuse Board may identify the problem. If an electrician is called out and identifies the issue is with a faulty appliance which the landlord is not responsible for, you may be liable for the electricians charges.
3. If there is a complete electrical failure in the property, which cannot be reset, check with your neighbours to see if they have a problem. If the street lights are not working this would indicate an external problem which UK Power Networks would need to resolve. You can check if an external issue has been reported at UK Power Networks
General Maintenance:
Condensation and Mould:
You must clean off any mould as and when it forms to avoid it building up and it is the responsibility of the tenant and not the landlord to do this. Mould is caused as a result of condensation at the property and a landlord does not create condensation at the property!
Mould can be cleaned by using a Muffycid Spray or a traditional fungicidal wash. These products are readily available at supermarkets and DIY stores and you should wear protective gloves when using these products.
Please refer to the Condensation Help Sheet for more information and advice on how to minimise condensation.
Washing Machine/Tumble Dryer:
Please check and empty the washing machine/tumble dryer filter regularly – if you do not know how to do this please refer to the manual or search online for guidance.
If your washing machine or tumble dryer stops working then you must check and empty the filter before reporting as this may be the cause of the problem.
Blocked pipes and drains:
Blockages can be avoided by being sensible about what is put down the sinks, baths and showers and flushed down the toilets. The water system is only designed to deal with waste water, toilet paper and excrement (solid and liquid) and anything else should be disposed of by other appropriate means. Do not put food waste, fat or oil down the kitchen sink as this is a primary cause of the sink blocking.
Blockages can be cleared using a drain unblocker gel, plunger or sink rod. These can be purchased from most supermarkets and DIY stores. Please do not report a blockage before you have tried clearing it yourself.
Fridge:
The drain at the rear of the fridge compartment should be kept clear and allow excess condensation to drain away. Fridges should also not be overstocked as this will reduce their cooling efficiency and also place more strain on the unit.
Extractor Hood:
It is your responsibility to clean the filter. The metal mesh type filters can be cleaned in the dishwasher. The material type filters can be replaced and can be purchased from a DIY store. They are usually a standard size which can be cut to fit.
Appliance Light Bulbs:
It is the tenant’s responsibility to replace the light bulbs.
If you do need to report a maintenance issue with an appliance, please provide the make, model and serial number. The model and serial number can often be found inside the door of the appliance on a metal plate or sticky label. We may also ask you to provide photographs.
PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT US BEFORE YOU HAVE TRIED TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM YOURSELF AS DETAILED ABOVE AND IF AN ENGINEER ATTENDS TO FIND THAT THESE ACTIONS HAVE NOT BEEN FOLLOWED YOU MAY BE LIABLE FOR CALL OUT CHARGES.
